Accessory for a self-balancing board

ABSTRACT

An accessory for a self-balancing board is provided. The self-balancing board comprises a foot-deck having two lateral foot-deck ends. Each lateral foot-deck end is coupled to a motor that drives a wheel in response to an orientation of the lateral foot-deck end relative to a horizontal plane. The foot-deck has at least one sensor that is triggered when a rider is in a riding position thereon. The accessory includes a chassis, at least one travel surface-contacting element coupled proximal to a first longitudinal end of the chassis to facilitate travel of the chassis over a travel surface, and a seat coupled to the chassis and configured to support the rider. The accessory further includes an engagement structure that releasably engages the self-balancing board and fails to trigger the at least one sensor. At least one sensor-triggering element that is actuatable relative to the engagement structure between a first position is provided, wherein the at least one sensor-triggering element fails to trigger the at least one sensor, and a second position, wherein the at least one sensor-triggering element triggers the at least one sensor. At least one control member is coupled to and actuating at least one of the engagement structure and the at least one sensor-triggering element to control the orientation of the lateral foot-deck ends relative to a horizontal plane.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to powered personal transportationdevices. In particular, the following relates to an accessory for aself-balancing board.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Self-balancing boards are well known in the industry. Suchself-balancing boards, however, require considerable effort and skillfor a rider to safely balance themselves while riding such boards. Inaddition, instability is inherent and thus a closed-loop feedbackcontrol system is required in order to maintain balance. This meansthat, if at any moment, the control effort is inadequate, the rider caneasily fall from the vehicle. This can be the result of a malfunction ofthe vehicle, or by the rider providing an extreme, inadequate, or overinput, such as a lean angle that would result in an output (such as adesired wheel torque or speed) that is beyond the capability of thevehicle or the rider's ability to self-balance on the self-balancingboard. In either case, if the output required to maintain balance is notachievable, the rider will likely fall, potentially causing injuries tothemselves or others, or property damage. When the rider does fall, therisk of bodily injury is high due to the height of the standing userfrom the ground. There have been numerous documented incidents whereriders have fallen off of self-balancing boards, leading to injuriesthat range from minor scrapes all the way to broken bones andconcussions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, there is provided an accessory for a self-balancingboard, the self-balancing board comprising a foot-deck having twolateral foot-deck ends, each lateral foot-deck end being coupled to amotor that drives a wheel in response to an orientation of the lateralfoot-deck end relative to a horizontal plane, the foot-deck having atleast one sensor that is triggered when a rider is in a riding positionthereon, the accessory comprising a chassis, at least one travelsurface-contacting element coupled proximal to a first longitudinal endof the chassis to facilitate travel of the chassis over a travelsurface, a seat coupled to the chassis and configured to support arider, an engagement structure that releasably engages theself-balancing board and fails to trigger the at least one sensor, atleast one sensor-triggering element that is actuatable relative to theengagement structure between a first position, wherein the at least onesensor-triggering element fails to trigger the at least one sensor, anda second position, wherein the at least one sensor-triggering elementtriggers the at least one sensor, and at least one control membercoupled to and actuating at least one of the engagement structure andthe at least one sensor-triggering element to control the orientation ofthe lateral foot-deck ends relative to a horizontal plane.

The at least one sensor-triggering element can be actuated from thefirst position to the second position via a rider sitting atop of theseat. The accessory can further comprise a seat suspension structuresuspending the seat from the engagement structure. The seat suspensionstructure can comprise at least one helical coil spring.

The seat can be pivotally coupled to the chassis via a hinge.

The at least one sensor-triggering element can be coupled to theengagement structure and suspended above the foot-deck when theaccessory is coupled to a board and the seat is unoccupied by a rider.

The at least one sensor-triggering element can be fixed in positionrelative to the seat. The at least one sensor-triggering element cancomprise a compressible member. The compressible member can comprise aflexible arc of material. The flexible arc of material can comprise arubber band.

The engagement structure can engage the foot-deck when the accessory iscoupled to the self-balancing board. The at least one control member canbe fixed in position relative to the engagement structure.

The control member can be fixed relative to the at least onesensor-triggering element.

The engagement structure can be releasably securable to theself-balancing board.

The at least one sensor-triggering element can be manually actuatablebetween the first position and the second position.

The at least one sensor can comprise a pressure sensor.

The at least one sensor can comprise a light sensor.

The travel surface contacting element can comprise a wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described hereinand to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, referencewill now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one type of a self-balancing board;

FIG. 2A is a top view of an accessory for the self-balancing board ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the accessory of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is section view of the accessory of FIG. 2A along the line2C-2C;

FIG. 2D is section view of the accessory of FIG. 2A along the line2D-2D;

FIG. 2E is a rear view of the accessory of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is a rear perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2G is another rear perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the accessory of FIG. 2A secured to theself-balancing board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the accessory of FIG. 2A secured to theself-balancing board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is section view of the accessory and the self-balancing board ofFIG. 3A along the line 3C-3C;

FIG. 3D is section view of the accessory and the self-balancing board ofFIG. 3A along the line 3D-3D;

FIG. 3E is a rear view of the accessory of FIG. 2A secured to theself-balancing board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3F is a rear perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 2A securedto the self-balancing board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3G is another rear perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 2Asecured to the self-balancing board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a top view of the accessory of FIG. 2A secured to theself-balancing board of FIG. 1 after biasing of the seat towards theself-balancing board;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the accessory of FIG. 2A secured to theself-balancing board of FIG. 1 after biasing of the seat towards theself-balancing board;

FIG. 4C is section view of the accessory and the self-balancing board ofFIG. 4A along the line 4C-4C after biasing of the seat towards theself-balancing board;

FIG. 4D is section view of the accessory and the self-balancing board ofFIG. 4A along the line 4D-4D;

FIG. 4E is a rear view of the accessory of FIG. 2A secured to theself-balancing board of FIG. 1 after biasing of the seat towards theself-balancing board;

FIG. 4F is a rear perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 2A securedto the self-balancing board of FIG. 1 after biasing of the seat towardsthe self-balancing board;

FIG. 4G is another rear perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 2Asecured to the self-balancing board of FIG. 1 after biasing of the seattowards the self-balancing board;

FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view of a portion of an accessory inaccordance with another embodiment positioned atop of the self-balancingboard of FIG. 1, wherein a sensor-engaging pad is suspended above asensor of the self-balancing board;

FIG. 5B is a partial sectional view of the portion of the accessory ofFIG. 5A positioned atop of the self-balancing board of FIG. 1, whereinthe sensor-engaging pad is pushed into contact with the sensor of theself-balancing board;

FIG. 6A is a rear view of an accessory in accordance with a furtherembodiment aligned for engaging the self-balancing board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a rear view of the accessory of FIG. 6A after engaging theself-balancing board of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6C is a rear view of the accessory of FIG. 6A secured to theself-balancing board of FIG. 1 when a rider is positioned in the seat ofthe accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where consideredappropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures toindicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodimentsdescribed herein may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments describedherein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting thescope of the embodiments described herein.

Various terms used throughout the present description may be read andunderstood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” asused throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singulararticles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, andvice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpartpronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anythingdescribed herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a singlegender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or“exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over otherembodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; thesemay apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will beunderstood from a reading of the present description.

Accessories for self-balancing boards are provided. The self-balancingboards have a foot-deck having two lateral foot-deck ends. Each lateralfoot-deck end is coupled to a motor that drives a wheel in response toan orientation of the lateral foot-deck end relative to a horizontalplane. The foot-deck has at least one sensor that is triggered when arider is in a riding position thereon. The accessory includes a chassis,at least one travel surface-contacting element coupled proximal to afirst longitudinal end of the chassis to facilitate travel of thechassis over a travel surface, and a seat coupled to the chassis andconfigured to support a rider. An engagement structure releasablyengages the self-balancing board and fails to trigger the at least onesensor. At least one sensor-triggering element is actuatable relative tothe engagement structure between a first position, wherein the at leastone sensor-triggering element fails to trigger the at least one sensor,and a second position, wherein the at least one sensor-triggeringelement triggers the at least one sensor. At least one control membercoupled to and actuating at least one of the engagement structure andthe at least one sensor-triggering element to control the orientation ofthe lateral foot-deck ends relative to a horizontal plane.

The design of the accessory enables it, while riderless, to be coupledto a self-balancing board with the at least one sensor-triggeringelement in the first position without triggering the sensor(s) of thefoot-deck so that the self-balancing board can cut the power to themotors. Actuation of the at least one sensor-triggering element by arider, either passively through their sitting in the seat of theaccessory or actively such as via manual movement thereof, from thefirst position to the second position enables the self-balancing boardto detect the presence of the rider via the sensor(s) and, as a result,power the motors to begin operation. Upon completing operation of theaccessory and coupled self-balancing board, the rider can then eithersimply lift themselves from the accessory, such as by standing up, orreturn the at least one sensor-triggering element manually to the firstposition, depending on the particular design, to cause theself-balancing board to detect the absence of the rider and, thus, cutpower to the motors.

A self-balancing board 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The self-balancing board10 has a platform 11 that spans between two wheels 12. A foot-deck 13 ofthe platform 11 enables a rider to stand thereon. The foot-deck 13 isgenerally planar and may be textured and/or made from a material thatprovides traction between the foot of a rider and the platform 11. Thefoot-deck 13 has two lateral foot-deck ends 14 adjacent the wheels 12, afront foot-deck edge 15, and a rear foot-deck edge 16. The frontfoot-deck edge 15 and the rear foot-deck edge 16 represent theintersections between the front and back surfaces of the platform 11 andthe foot-deck 13.

A motor proximal to each lateral foot-deck end 14 powers the wheeladjacent to it. Each motor is operated to rotate the adjacent wheel 12based on the pitch of the lateral foot-deck end 14 relative to ahorizontal plane when the self-balancing board is upright. The platform11 may be, in some cases, split into two platform halves that can pivotrelative to each other around an axis that is generally coaxial or atleast generally parallel to the rotation axis of the wheels 12. In suchcases, the orientation of the lateral foot-deck ends 14 can bedetermined via gyroscopes, accelerometers, or the like. In other cases,the platform 11 may be constructed to permit flexing of the platform 11,thereby enabling one lateral foot-deck end 14 to pivot somewhatindependently of the other lateral foot-deck end 14 as a result oftorsion forces on the platform. The pivoting between the lateralfoot-deck ends 14 can be determined using a strain gauge or the like.

The foot-deck 13 has two pressure sensor regions 17 proximal to thelateral foot-deck ends 14 that detect pressure via pressure sensorslocated below the surface of the foot-deck 13, such as the weight of arider. One or both of these pressure sensor regions 17 is triggered topower the motors to drive the wheels 12 of the self-balancing board 10upon detecting a threshold pressure that it interprets to correspond toa rider standing atop of the foot-deck 13. Further, the self-balancingboard 10 does not power off until the threshold pressure is no longerdetected via the pressure sensors of the pressure sensor regions 17;that is, the pressure sensors are no longer triggered.

A wheel fender 18 around each wheel 12 inhibits rider contact with thewheels 12 while operating the self-balancing board 10.

If both lateral foot-deck ends 14 are similarly pitched in one directionwhile in operation, both adjacent motors will drive the self-balancingboard in that direction at a similar speed, thus causing theself-balancing board to move in that direction. Alternatively, if bothlateral foot-deck ends 14 are differently pitched in the same direction,the motors will drive the self-balancing board in that generaldirection, and the motor adjacent the more pitched lateral foot-deck end14 will operate its associated wheel 12 more rapidly, causing theself-balancing board 10 to turn in that direction. If one lateralfoot-deck end 14 is pitched in one direction and the other lateralfoot-deck end 14 is similarly pitched in the opposite direction, themotors will rotate the wheels in opposite directions, causing theself-balancing board 10 to rotate at its location.

An accessory 20 for the self-balancing board 10 of FIG. 1 in accordancewith an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2A to 2G. The accessory 20 isintended to enhance both the safety and enjoyment of the self-balancingboard by effectively converting a traditional self-balancing board intoa powered kart that, when ridden, generally lowers the rider's center ofgravity. The accessory 20 includes a chassis 24 that has a frontcross-bar 28 at a front longitudinal end 30. Two parallel longitudinalextension tubes 32 extend backward from the front cross-bar 28 and areslidingly received within two parallel telescoping longitudinal tubes 36and lockable at a number of positions via a locking knob 40. The twotelescoping longitudinal tubes 36 are adjoined to a rear cross-bar 44 ata rear longitudinal end 46 of the chassis 24. The front cross-bar 28,the longitudinal extension tubes 32, the telescoping longitudinal tubes36 and the rear cross-bar 44 can be made of any suitable material, suchas aluminum or steel. The front cross-bar 28 is secured to thelongitudinal extension tubes 32 via welding or another suitableapproach. Similarly, the telescoping longitudinal tubes 36 are securedto the rear cross-bar 44 via welding or another suitable approach.

Two foot rests 48 are secured to opposite ends of the front cross-bar28. The foot rests 48 provide a place to position one's feet so that therider's feet do not drag on a travel surface, and can be fixed inorientation or made to swivel. The foot rests 48 can be used to carrythe accessory 20 when it is not being ridden, either when the accessory20 is secured to the self-balancing board 10 or detached from it.Further, the foot rests 48 can include heel rests in other embodimentsto inhibit slippage of the rider's heels onto the travel surface. Afront wheel assembly 52 is pivotally coupled to the front cross-bar 28to enable the front wheel assembly 52 to swivel around a front wheelpivot axis FP that is generally vertically aligned when the accessory 20is upright.

The accessory 20 has an engagement structure that can releasably engagethe self-balancing board 10. In particular, the engagement structureincludes a pair of foot-deck engagement elements 56, each of which ispivotally coupled to a lateral end of the rear cross-bar 44 so that thefoot-deck engagement elements 72 pivot about a control pivot axis CP.The foot-deck engagement elements 56 include a pair of longitudinal endcaps 57 that are spanned by a pivot bracket 58.

A pivot through-hole passes laterally through each of the pivot brackets58 and receives a pivot bolt that extends from the lateral end of therear cross-bar 44, enabling the pivot brackets 58 to pivot relative tothe rear cross-bar 44.

Each longitudinal end cap 57 has an interface surface 60 that isconstructed to interface with the foot-deck 13 proximal to one of thelateral foot-deck ends 14 adjacent the front foot-deck edge 15 and therear foot-deck edge 16. The interface surfaces 60 are made of aresilient compressible material, such as rubber, to engage the foot-deck13 of the self-balancing board 10 proximal to a lateral foot-deck end 14thereof. A laterally extending lip 64 extends downwards from eachlongitudinal end cap 57 and spans the lateral width thereof. Aninterface gap 68 spans between the interface surfaces 60 of thelongitudinal end caps 57 of each foot-deck engagement element 56. Acinch strap 70 is secured at each end to an upper surface of thefoot-deck engagement element 56. The cinch strap 70 is made from adurable, flexible material such as hook-and-loop fabric or nylon, andcan be let out, drawn in, and unsecured at or both ends from thefoot-deck engagement element 56.

A control lever 72 extends from each pivot bracket 58 upwards andforwards. A hand grip 76 is provided at a distal end of each controllever 72.

A seat plate 80 is coupled to the chassis 24 via a hinge 84. The seatplate 80 is constructed from a rigid material, such as metal, that issecured to the hinge 84, such as by fasteners or welding. The hinge 84is any suitable type of hinge, such as a piano hinge. The seat plate 80pivots via the hinge 84 about an axis adjacent its fore. A seat 88 isfastened or otherwise secured to the seat plate 80 via any suitablemeans, such as fasteners and, in particular, nuts and bolts. The seat 88is designed to comfortably hold a human rider in a seated position whilethey are operating the combined accessory 20 and self-balancing board10. The seat 88 can be a basic molded seat made of plastic or the like,and can be provided with padding to make the rider's experience moreenjoyable and to protect the rider from jarring while traveling overless smooth travel surfaces. The seat 88 may be mounted as low aspossible to reduce the height of the center of gravity. This also bringsthe rider closer to the ground, reducing the chance of injury to therider in the event of a fall.

A seat suspension structure in the form of a helical coil spring 92suspends the seat plate 80 from pivoting towards the chassis 24 when theseat 88 is unoccupied by a rider. The helical coil spring 92 providessufficient resistance to compression to maintain the seat plate 80 in anupwardly pivoted position, yet fully compresses when a rider sits in theseat 88. In other embodiments, the suspension structure can include twoor more helical coil springs. The two or more helical coil springs canbe laterally spaced to support the seat plate when pivoted down andreduce lateral tipping of the seat plate. Other types of suspensionstructures can be employed, such as compressible rubber elements, springleaves, etc. Additionally, two or more spacer elements, such as threadedbolts, can project from the seat plate 80 or the chassis 24 to abut theother of the seat plate 80 and the chassis 24 when the seat plate 80 ispivoted downwards when a rider sits in the seat 88 and overcomes theresistance of the helical coil spring 92. The spacer elements can beadjustable to enable adjustment of the bottoming out position of theseat plate 80 over the chassis 24.

A sensor-triggering element in the form of a resilient, thick rubberstrap 96 is secured at each end thereof to an underside of the seatplate 80 adjacent the interface gap 68, and forms a flexible arc ofmaterial that extends towards the chassis 24. The rubber strap 96 iscompressible, but resistant to bending. Other suitable materials thatare somewhat flexible can be employed in place of rubber.

A control member is provided for controlling the orientation of thelateral foot-deck ends 14. The control members are, in this embodiment,a control lever 72 that is coupled to each foot-deck engagement element56 via its pivot bracket 58. The control lever 72 is typicallyconstructed of steel or aluminum and welded or secured in some othermanner to the pivot bracket 58. A control grip 76 mounted on the controllever 72 enables a rider to grip and manipulate the control lever 72.

FIGS. 3A to 3G show the accessory 20 engaging the self-balancing board10. In order to have the accessory 20 engage the self-balancing board10, each of the cinch straps 70 are unsecured at one end thereof. Theinterface surfaces 60 of the longitudinal end caps 57 are aligned withthe lateral foot-deck ends 14 of the self-balancing board 10 and placedthereon. The accessory 20 is designed so that the engagement elements 56are positioned proximal to the wheels 12 of the self-balancing board 10.The laterally extending lips 64 of the longitudinal end caps 57 engage arespective one of the front and back foot-deck edges 15, 16 of theplatform 11 to inhibit movement of the engagement element 56 relative tothe foot-deck 13. Once positioned on the self-balancing board 10, theloose end of each of the cinch straps 70 is pulled around the bottom ofthe platform 11, re-secured to the engagement element 56, and tightenedto generally fix the accessory 20 to the self-balancing board 10.

The interface gaps 68 between the interface surfaces 60 of each of theengagement elements 56 span over at least the pressure sensor regions 17of the self-balancing board 10. As a result, the engagement structure ofthe accessory 20 fails to trigger the pressure sensors when theaccessory 20 engages the self-balancing board 10.

As no weight has been placed on the seat 88, the helical coil spring 92suspends the seat board 80 in an elevated position, as shown. In thisposition, the rubber straps 96 secured to the seat board 80 are held ina first position, wherein they are elevated away from the foot-deck 13.As a result, the rubber straps 96 also fail to trigger the sensors ofthe foot-deck 13.

It may also be desirable to adjust various aspects of the accessory 20for the rider. For example, the distance from the seat 88 to the footrests 48 to accommodate for a rider's height or preference can beadjusted by loosening the locking knob 40, and either pulling thelongitudinal extension tubes 32 further out of the telescopinglongitudinal tubes 36, or by sliding the longitudinal extension tubes 32further into the telescoping longitudinal tubes 36. Other aspects of theaccessory can be made adjustable to accommodate riders of differentsizes and/or having different preferences.

FIGS. 4A to 4G show the accessory 20 secured to the self-balancing board10, wherein the weight of a rider sitting atop of the seat (not shown)overcomes the resistance provided by the helical coil spring 92, causingthe seat board 80 to pivot downwards toward the chassis 24 and thefoot-deck 13 of the self-balancing board 10. As a result, the rubberstraps 96 secured to the seat board 80 are moved into a second position,wherein they are pushed into contact with the lateral foot-deck ends 14.As the rubber straps 96 contact and are urged against the foot-deck 13,they resist deformation by applying a force on the pressure sensorregions 17 of the foot-deck 13 with which they are aligned. Theresistance of the rubber straps 96 is selected so that they apply asufficient force to the pressure sensor regions 17, and thus thepressure sensors, so that the pressure detected by the pressure sensorssurpasses the required threshold pressure, thereby triggering thepressure sensors. As a result, the self-balancing board 10 powers themotors.

In order to operate the combined accessory 20 and self-balancing board10, the rider can manually pivot the control levers 72 and, thus, theengagement elements 56 to which they are fixedly coupled. Pivoting ofthe engagement elements 56 urges the corresponding lateral foot-deckends 14 to pivot. As the orientation of each lateral foot-deck end 14relative to horizontal is translated by the self-balancing board 10 togenerate commands for the corresponding motor, the rider can thuscontrol the rotation of each wheel 12, and thus the motion of theself-balancing board 10 and the engaged accessory 20.

The rubber straps 96 are held firmly in contact with the pressure sensorregions 17 of the foot-deck 13 by the weight of the rider atop of theseat 88.

The rider can cause either wheel 12 of the self-balancing board 10 towhich the accessory 20 is secured to accelerate in either a forward orbackward direction. This is achieved by using the corresponding controllever 72 to pivot the lateral foot-deck end 14. The control levers 72freely pivot relative to the chassis 24. Pivoting the control lever 72in a direction applies a torqueing force to the corresponding lateralfoot-deck end 14 by the force of the longitudinal end of the controlfoot 108 corresponding to the direction in which the control lever 72 isbeing pivoted on the lateral foot-deck end 14, and by the tension of thecinch strap 70.

The control levers 72 can be pivoted in either a forward or backwarddirection. Pivoting both control levers 72 by the same degree and in thesame direction causes the wheels 12 to accelerate or decelerate in thedirection to which the control levers 72 are being pivoted. Thus, arider can elect to accelerate or decelerate in a forward direction or abackward direction, or stop.

Additionally, a rider can elect to pivot each control lever 72 todiffering angles to cause a difference in the speed of the wheels 12,thereby causing the combined self-balancing board 10 and the accessory20 secured thereto to turn as it travels. The rider can even rotate theself-balancing board 10 and the accessory 20 secured thereto in a singlelocation if one control lever 72 is pivoted to pivot the correspondinglateral foot-deck end 14 by an angular disposition in one direction, andif the other control lever 72 is pivoted to pivot the other lateralfoot-deck end 14 by the same angular disposition in the oppositedirection.

The accessory 20 can be removed from the self-balancing board 10 byreleasing at least one end of each cinch strap 70.

As will be appreciated, the seat can be suspended via other suitableconfigurations, such as a linear suspension.

FIG. 5A shows a sectional view of an engagement structure of anaccessory in accordance with another embodiment engaging theself-balancing board 10. The engagement structure includes, in thiscase, a pair of foot-deck engagement elements 100, each of which ispivotally coupled to a chassis of an accessory so that the foot-deckengagement elements 100 pivot about a control pivot axis that isgenerally parallel to rotation axis of the wheels 12 of theself-balancing board 10. Each longitudinal end cap 57 has two laterallyextending lips 104 that extend downwards from each longitudinal endthereof. Two interface surfaces 108 are located on an underside of theengagement element adjacent the laterally extending lips 104. Theinterface surfaces 108 are made of a resilient compressible material,such as rubber, to engage the foot-deck 13 of the self-balancing board10 proximal to a lateral foot-deck end 14 thereof.

An interface gap 112 spans between the interface surfaces 108 of eachfoot-deck engagement element 100, and generally spans at least over thepressure sensor region 17 of the corresponding lateral foot-deck end 14when the foot-deck engagement element 100 releasably engages theself-balancing board 10. A cinch strap 116 is secured at each end to anupper surface of the foot-deck engagement element 100. The cinch strap116 is made from a durable, flexible material such as hook-and-loopfabric or nylon, and can be let out, drawn in, and unsecured at or bothends from the foot-deck engagement element 100. In order to secure theaccessory to the self-balancing board 10, the cinch straps 116 areunsecured from the main body of the foot-deck engagement element 100 atone end, looped under the platform 11 of the self-balancing board 10,re-secured to the main body of the foot-deck engagement element 100, andtightened.

The foot-deck engagement element 100 has a recess therein in which islocated a sensor triggering element in the form of a plunger 120. Theplunger 120 has a plate portion 124 that extends generally horizontallywhen the accessory engages an unpowered self-balancing board 10, a shaftportion 128 that extends vertically therefrom, and a tab 132 extendinglongitudinally from the upper end of the shaft portion 128. The tab 132is located within a suspension recess 136. A suspension member 140 inthe form of a helical coil spring is positioned between the tab 132 andthe bottom of the suspension recess 136 to suspend the plunger 120. Apost 144 extends laterally from the chassis of the accessory, pivotallythrough an upper end of the shaft portion 148, and through a verticallyelongated slot 136 in the main housing of the foot-deck engagementelement 100 on either side of the foot-deck engagement portion 100.Thus, the weight of the rear portion of the chassis, seat, etc. of theaccessory rests on the post 144. The suspension member 140 resistscompression sufficiently such that the downward force of the post 144when the seat of the accessory is empty is insufficient to compress thesuspension member 140 beyond the state shown in FIG. 5A. In this state,the plunger 120 is in a first position fails to trigger the at least onesensor in the foot-deck 13 of the self-balancing board 10 by exceedingthe threshold pressure.

A control lever 152 is fixed to the foot-deck engagement element 100 topivot the foot-deck engagement element 100 about the post 144 extendingfrom the chassis of the accessory.

FIG. 5B illustrates the position of the plunger 120 when a rider isseated in the seat of the accessory. The rider's weight is borne by thepost 144 which now bears down on the plunger 120 with sufficient forceto cause the tab 132 to compress the suspension member 140. As a result,the plate portion 124 is moved to the shown second position, in whichthe plunger 120 triggers the pressure sensors in the foot-deck 13 of theself-balancing board 10.

FIG. 6A shows an accessory 200 in accordance with a further embodimentfor use with the self-balancing board 10. The accessory includes achassis that has a rear cross-bar 204. A pair of sensor triggeringelements in the form of control shoes 208 are coupled to the rearcross-member 204 so that they pivot about an axis CP that is generallyparallel to the rotation axis of the wheels 12 of the self-balancingboard 10. Control levers 212 extend upwardly and forwardly from thecontrol shoes 208.

A suspension post 216 extending generally vertically from the undersideof the chassis of the accessory 200 is received within an aperture (notshown) in the top of an engagement structure in the form of a centralboard rest 220. A rubber or other suitable interface surface is providedalong the underside of the central board rest 220. A helical coil spring(not shown) suspends the chassis relative to the central board rest 220.The central board rest 220 is configured to fit over and rest on acentral narrow portion 18 of the self-balancing board 10. A wheelassembly 222 is secured to the front end of the chassis of the accessory200. A seat 224 is secured atop of the chassis.

FIG. 6B shows the accessory 200 engaging the self-balancing board 10.The central board rest 220 is located atop of the central narrow portion18 of the self-balancing board 10. The helical coil spring between thesuspension post 216 and the central board rest 220 is sufficientlyresistant to compression such that the chassis and the control shoes 208are maintained suspended in a first position above the foot-deck 13 inwhich the control shoes do not trigger the pressure sensors of thepressure sensor regions 17 of the self-balancing board 10.

FIG. 6C shows the accessory 200 engaging the self-balancing board 10when a rider 228 is sitting in the seat 224. The additional weight ofthe rider 228 is sufficient to overcome the resistance of the helicalcoil spring to compress it, thereby moving the control shoes 208 toengage the pressure sensor regions 17 of the self-balancing board 10 ina second position. A portion of the weight of the accessory 200 and therider 228 is transferred by the control feet 208 to the pressure sensorregions 17 of the self-balancing board 10. This portion is controlled atleast in part by the resistance of the helical coil spring that suspendsthe chassis atop of the central board rest 220. The resistance of thehelical coil spring is selected such that sufficient weight istransferred to the pressure sensor regions 17 to surpass the thresholdpressure, thereby triggering the sensors. As a result, the motors arepowered, thereby enabling the rider to operate the self-balancingvehicle 10 via the accessory 200.

When the rider rises out of the seat 224, the resistance of the helicalcoil spring is sufficient to urge the chassis and coupled control feet208 upwards so that the control feet 208 no longer trigger the pressuresensors in the pressure sensor regions 17, thereby allowing it to bepowered off.

While control levers are employed in the above described embodiments tocontrol the orientation of the lateral foot-deck ends of theself-balancing board, other control members can be employed for thispurpose.

While the engagement structure enables the accessory to be secured tothe self-balancing board in the above-described embodiments, in otherembodiments, it can interface with the self-balancing board withoutbeing secured to it, relying at least partially on the weight of theaccessory and additionally the passenger to maintain the accessory inengagement with the self-balancing board.

Other types of travel surface-contacting elements to facilitate travelof the chassis over a travel surface other than wheels can be employedfor the accessory. For example, the accessory can be fitted with a skirunner that could be used over indoor flooring, grass, snow, etc. Inanother embodiment, a tank track could be deployed on the accessory.

The length and orientation of the control lever(s) may be made to beadjustable in a variety of manners, such as the angle that they extendfrom the pivot brackets (the angular position), the angle at which theyextend laterally away from a vertical axis, etc.

The accessories can be made to accommodate self-balancing boards ofvarious shapes and sizes.

More sophisticated pedal or foot straps can be employed to furthersecure the rider.

The pressure sensor region or regions of a self-balancing board can beof any size and shape. The interface surface(s) of the engagementstructures can be accordingly designed to engage regions of theself-balancing board other than the sensor region(s).

In other embodiments, the self-balancing board can have other types ofsensors, such as optical (e.g. photovoltaic) sensors, infrared proximitysensors, or ultrasonic sensors, to detect the presence of a rider atopof the foot-deck. For example, a first set of light sensors can bepositioned on the foot-deck and a second set of light sensors can bepositioned at another location on the self-balancing board that isexpected to be free of obstruction during use, such as atop of the wheelfenders. Upon detecting a threshold difference in the light received viathe first set of sensors in comparison to that received via the secondset of sensors, the self-balancing board can deem that a rider ispositioned on the foot-deck and covering the first set of light sensorswhile the second set of light sensors are uncovered.

In another example, an infrared proximity sensor on the foot deck couldbe used. The infrared proximity sensor would normally be triggered whena user places their foot on the foot deck, acting to reflect theinfrared beam emitted by the sensor. When used in conjunction with theaccessory described herein, such a sensor would be triggered by thestrap 96 when the rider sits in the seat and the strap engages the footdeck and obstructs the sensor. Alternatively, a bar or plate could beprovided in place of the strap and would be brought down close to thefoot deck without contacting it, in sufficient proximity to the sensorto trigger the sensor.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet morealternative implementations and modifications possible, and that theabove examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations.The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appendedhereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An accessory for a self-balancing board,the self-balancing board comprising a foot-deck having two lateralfoot-deck ends, each lateral foot-deck end being coupled to a motor thatdrives a wheel in response to an orientation of the lateral foot-deckend relative to a horizontal plane, the foot-deck having at least onesensor that is triggered when a rider is in a riding position thereon,the accessory comprising: a chassis; at least one travelsurface-contacting element coupled proximal to a first longitudinal endof the chassis to facilitate travel of the chassis over a travelsurface; a seat coupled to the chassis and configured to support arider; an engagement structure that releasably engages theself-balancing board and fails to trigger the at least one sensor; atleast one sensor-triggering element that is actuatable relative to theengagement structure between a first position, wherein the at least onesensor-triggering element fails to trigger the at least one sensor, anda second position, wherein the at least one sensor-triggering elementtriggers the at least one sensor; and at least one control membercoupled to and actuating at least one of the engagement structure andthe at least one sensor-triggering element to control the orientation ofthe lateral foot-deck ends relative to a horizontal plane.
 2. Anaccessory according to claim 1, wherein the at least onesensor-triggering element is actuatable from the first position to thesecond position via the weight of the rider sitting atop of the seat. 3.An accessory according to claim 2, further comprising a seat suspensionstructure suspending the seat from the engagement structure.
 4. Anaccessory according to claim 3, wherein the seat suspension structurecomprises at least one helical coil spring.
 5. An accessory according toclaim 2, wherein the seat is pivotally coupled to the chassis via ahinge.
 6. An accessory according to claim 3, wherein the at least onesensor-triggering element is coupled to the engagement structure andsuspended above the foot-deck when the accessory is coupled to a boardand the seat is unoccupied by the rider.
 7. An accessory according toclaim 3, wherein the at least one sensor-triggering element is fixed inposition relative to the seat.
 8. An accessory according to claim 7,wherein the at least one sensor-triggering element comprises acompressible member.
 9. An accessory according to claim 8, wherein thecompressible member comprises a flexible arc of material.
 10. Anaccessory according to claim 9, wherein the flexible arc of materialcomprises a rubber band.
 11. An accessory according to claim 1, whereinthe engagement structure engages the foot-deck when the accessory iscoupled to the self-balancing board.
 12. An accessory according to claim11, wherein the at least one control member is fixed in positionrelative to the engagement structure.
 13. An accessory according toclaim 1, wherein the control member is fixed relative to the at leastone sensor-triggering element.
 14. An accessory according to claim 1,wherein the engagement structure is releasably securable to theself-balancing board.
 15. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein theat least one sensor-triggering element is manually actuatable betweenthe first position and the second position.
 16. An accessory accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor.17. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensorcomprises a light sensor.
 18. An accessory according to claim 1, whereinthe travel surface contacting element comprises a wheel.